Roof window

The skylight is a window in the roof of a building. It is used for exposure, and the ventilation of the roof space. In developed for residential purposes roof spaces, it offers also a view of the surroundings.

Lying and standing skylight

Based on the design means that skylight fundamentally divided into two groups:

  • Lying skylight: an above-the- roof windows with the same inclination angle as the roof. In modern construction commonly referred to as roof windows.
  • Detached dormer window: A window in a dormer.

Elevated roof windows are manufactured industrially and are matched in width to the usual rafter spaces. Since they are relatively easy to install, they often come at a subsequent conversion of the attic space used. To open it can be tilted about its horizontal central axis generally. Increasing the window also in combination both with a center axis with a pivot point at the upper end of the frame opening, so-called folding pivot window. At the eaves adjacent roof windows can be combined with an underlying facade connection window. These windows are often provided with an external or internal sun screen. Although the external blinds provide better heat protection, but are susceptible to wind.

The dormer required for a stationary skylight is comparatively expensive to construct, but allows installation of standard windows in the wall and better use of the underlying space.

Special shapes

The skylight is a window opening in the ceiling of a room and is more common in flat or slightly sloped roofs for use. It offers, in contrast to regular skylights no view on the environment, but is primarily the exposure of the interior.

The roof hatch is a small Exposed roof window that is used primarily where undeveloped roof spaces ( attics ). It serves mainly the exposure, if needed but also as an exit hatch ( roof access ), to allow access for maintenance work on the roof or the chimney sweep.

A roof leak can be used as an alternative to roof balcony. There are for a construction in which the upper part of the skylight can be opened up to 45 °, the lower part is pushed out and flip it up side railing on. This option saves space and is quickly and retractable. The roof outlet is also suitable as an escape route.

Norms and Standards

For skylights, the following standards are relevant:

  • DIN 276 Building costs / ÖNORM B 1801-1 construction project and contract management: cost group 362 roof windows, roof openings
  • DIN 5034 to 3.6 Daylight in interiors - Part 3 Calculation and especially Part 6: Simplified determination conveniently dimensions of skylight openings in roof areas

For thermal properties:

  • EN ISO 10077-1 Thermal performance of windows, doors and shutters - Calculation of thermal transmittance - Part 1: General
  • EN ISO 12567-2 Thermal performance of windows and doors - Determination of thermal transmittance by hot box method - Part 2: Roof windows and other projecting windows

Relevant are also various rules of structural fire protection:

  • EN 14351-1 Windows and doors - Product standard, performance characteristics - Part 1: Windows and external pedestrian doorsets without resistance to fire and / or smoke leakage characteristics
  • DIN 18232 Smoke and heat control systems for smoke and heat exhaust ventilation in the roof space

For accessories:

  • EN 12833 blinds for roof windows and conservatories - Resistance to snow load - Test method
  • EN 1627 Burglar resistant construction
Daylighting
212455
de